The New Archangel Dancers highlight Sitka’s cultural past going back to the 1800s, performing traditional folk dances from Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.
The all-female volunteer troupe recruits and rehearses all year round for its summer spectacles, which have become a staple for many of the season’s visitors.
The group got its start in 1969, when several women decided to learn traditional Russian dances that might have been performed locally in the 1800s when Sitka, then known as New Archangel, was under Russian rule.
By consulting with Russian Orthodox Bishop Theodosius, who was then serving in Sitka as the Alaska bishop, and referencing a children’s book of Russian songs and dances, the troupe put together their seminal repertoire. Women dance both genders’ roles.
Today, the group boasts some 12 dancers, a repertoire of 44 dances, and an expansive collection of authentic traditional hand-made costumes.
The dancers have performed throughout the United States, as well as Japan, Canada, Russia, Mexico, Bahamas and the Caribbean, as informal ambassadors of Sitka’s culture and history. They have made appearances at openings of new Alaska Airlines terminals, and at Alaska governors’ inaugural celebrations.
The dancers perform from May through October, featuring five to six dances across 30 minutes. They also give special performances at events, festivals, trade shows, conferences and private parties throughout the year, with one of their biggest performances during the multi-day celebration of Alaska Day in mid-October.
Days and times of shows are available at www.newarchangeldancers.com.
